Research Leader - Plant Resources

London, United Kingdom

Kew is the world’s leading botanic gardens, at the forefront of plant and fungal science, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major visitor attraction.

We want a world where plants and fungi are understood, valued and conserved – because our lives depend on them.

We use the power of our science and the rich diversity of our gardens and collections to provide knowledge, inspiration and understanding of why plants and fungi matter to everyone.

This role forms an important part of RBG Kew’s Natural Capital and Plant Health Department (NCPH), which undertakes research on plants and fungi that are directly, indirectly or potentially important for economic and societal purposes.

These activities are linked to Kew’s world class collections. NCPH undertakes a broad range of scientific research, with research outputs that lead to sustaining and enhancing plant and fungal natural capital, provisioning, regulating functions and ecosystem services.

You will work within the Plant Resources Team, which undertakes research on crops in the broadest sense, including utilised and underutilised plants, crop wild relatives, and managed wild plant resources. Plant groups of interest include rain-fed woody crops, forage, wood/timber, roots and tubers, legumes and minor cereals. Significant overarching issues include food and resource security, climate change, maintenance and restoration of ecosystem services, supply chain resilience, health and public outreach. Our work supports a varied stakeholder community, from producers to consumers and users.

You will need to be qualified to PhD level with at least five years postdoctoral experience, with specialist knowledge in a field of science relevant to plant resources. You will have sufficient skills and experience to plan and develop a world-class research programme in plant resources (e.g. breeding and pre-breeding, genomics, modelling, bioenergy and biometeorology).

This will include the ability to motivate, manage and mentor a small team of researchers, which might include PhD and postdoctoral students. You will also have a good track record in research funding, and evidence of managing budgets. Your publication record should demonstrate a broad and deep knowledge of crops and/or other plant resources, and a range of research skills.

Salary will be £37,177 to £40,736 per annum, depending on skills and experience. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a broad range of Learning and Development opportunities, with access to the Civil Service training curriculum, generous annual leave entitlement for new starters, family friendly policies, a choice of competitive pensions and flexible benefits scheme.